‘राष्ट्रघाती’ ११ नम्बर बुँदा (नयाँ पुराना संयुक्त वक्तव्यका पूर्णपाठकाे साथमा)

‘खनेर हेर्ने हो भने यहाँका प्रत्येक घरहरुका जगमा
त्यहाँ फगत हल्लै हल्ला थुप्रिएको पाइनेछ ।
त्यसैले यो हल्लै हल्लाको देश हो
यो हल्लै हल्लामाथि उभिएको देश हो’
भूपी शेरचनको ‘यो हल्लै हल्लाको देश हो’ कविताका यी हरफहरुले हाम्रो देश र देशवासीको चरित्र धेरै हदसम्म चित्रण गरेको छ । यहाँ सबै कुरा हल्लाका भरमा हुन्छ । पहिले एक कान दुई कान मैदान हुन्थ्यो अहिले सामाजिक सञ्जालका प्रकाशनहरु मार्फत हल्लाहरु फैलिन्छन् । तिनमै आधारित भएर विभिन्न बुद्धिजिवीहरुले आफ्ना अड्कलबाजी र पूर्वाग्रहका आडमा देशको भूत, वर्तमान र भविष्य लेख्छन् । फेरी तिनको लेखाइलाई दावा गर्ने अर्को जत्था तथानाम गर्दै तिनले लेखेको भूत, वर्तमान र भविष्यको अर्को पाटो लेख्न भ्यउँछन् । हल्लै गर्छन् । त्यो भन्दा माथि केहि गर्न भ्याउँदैनन् ।

प्रधानमन्त्री प्रचण्डको ४ दिने भारत भ्रमणका क्रममा पनि थुप्रै हल्लाहरु भए । पहिले त ती हल्लाहरुका विषय प्रम पत्नीको बाँधेको हातको र उनले देखाएको शिष्टाचार भए । जसले जति जे भनेपनि र जति नै हल्ला गरेपनि स्वदेश फर्केर पत्रकार सम्मेलन गर्ने बेलामा समेत प्रमपत्नीको बाँधेको हात हल्लाउन सकिएन । हल्ला गर्नेहरुले हल्ला जारी राखे । पहिले हल्ला गराइबाट वाहवाही बटुलेपछि प्रमपत्नीको अनुहार यस्तो र उस्तो भन्न पट्टी लागे । मलाई मेरी आमाको मुहार सम्झना भयो । अनुहारका रेखाहरु गाढा हुँदै गएपछि उनी पनि त्यस्तै देखिन्छिन् होली भन्ने कल्पना सम्मले पनि त्यो हल्ला मन परेन । एक दिन मेरै पनि त्यस्तै हविगत नहोला र ? बाँचे भने !
यी हल्लाहरुले हल्लाएकै बेला अर्को हल्लाले शिर उचाल्यो । प्रधानमन्त्रीले देश भारतको जिम्मा लगाए । देश सिक्किमीकरणमा गयो । देशको आफ्नो भन्नु निर्णय क्षमता पनि भारत परस्त बनाएर आए भन्ने खालका हल्लाले मेरो देशभक्ति फेरी विथोल्यो । असमान सन्धीको विरोध गर्ने र भारतीय विस्तारबाद मुर्दावादका नारा जनस्तरमा लगेर जानेले त्यसो गरे भन्ने कुरालै नै मेरो कन्सिरी तात्यो । एक चोटी मलाई पनि हल्ला गर्न मन लाग्यो । प्रधानमन्त्रीलाई विचारको कालो झण्डा देखाउन मन लाग्यो । तर त्यति गर्नु अघि कुन कुराको विरोधमा हो भन्ने पनि बुझ्नु थियो । त्यसैले सो वक्तब्यलाई एक पटक पढि हेर्ने मन भयो ।
वक्तब्यमा मोटामोटी हेर्दा पुराना भएगरेका सन्धी सम्झौताको कार्यान्वयनमा जोड दिने कुराहरु नै बढि छन् । त्यसका अलावा भूकम्प पिडितका लागी राहतमा थप वृद्धिका कुराहरु र सिंचार, सडक निर्माण र पुलका लागी सहयोग बृद्धिका कुराहरु छन् । पाइपलाइन निर्माणका लागी पहिले भए गरेका सम्झौताको द्रुत कार्यान्वयनका प्रतिबद्धताहरुले वक्तव्यमा स्थान पाएका छन् । मोदि नेपाल भ्रमणका क्रममा निकालिएको संयुक्त वक्तव्यका धेरै बुँदाहरु यसमा अटाएका छन् । नेपाल भ्रमणका क्रममा जारी बक्तब्यमा बरु पुराना सन्धी पुनरावलोकनका कुरा र सिमा समस्या सम्बन्धी कुराहरु छन् तर यसमा त्यस्तो केहि छैन । पञ्चेश्वर, माथिल्लो कर्णाली र अरुणतेश्रो जलविद्युत आयोजना खारेजी भन्दा पनि तिनलाई शिघ्रातिशिघ्र जनताले लाभ लिन सक्ने गरी कार्यान्वयन गराउने कुराले वक्तब्यमा ठाउँ पाएको छ । सामाजिक सञ्जालमा ‘पुराना असमान सन्धी पुनरावलोकनका लागी अनुरोध गरेको छु’ भनेर भन्नेहरुको सम्झना आयो । ‘म पूर्ण विश्वस्त छु’ भन्थे । कठै विचरा ।
जे होस्, वक्तव्यमा कुनै ठूलो चमत्कार नै भै हालेको छैन तर भ्रमण पश्चात संयुक्त वक्तव्य समेत ननिस्किएको पहिल्लो ओली भ्रमणका तुलनामा यस पटक वक्तव्य निस्केको भनेर खुशी मनाउनेलाई रोक्न सकिन्न ।
हल्ला गरिएको राष्ट्रघाती भनिएको ११ नं.बुँदामा चाहिँ त्यस्तो के छ त जसले सबै देशभक्तहरुको माथिंगल हल्लायो भन्ने सवालमा त्यहाँ ‘विकासोन्मुख देशहरुलाई असर पार्ने संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ तथा अन्य अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय संगठनको वृहत्तर सुधार (कम्पे्रहेन्सिव रिफर्म) लगायतका प्रमुख अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मुद्दाहरुमा दुबै देशले साझा धारणा राखेको र संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघ तथा अन्य अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मञ्चहरुमा एकअर्कासँग गहिरो समन्यव राखी काम गर्ने कुरामा दुबै देशका प्रधानमन्त्रीको विश्वास छ । नेपाली पक्षले भारतको संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघीय सुरक्षा परिषदको स्थाही सदस्यताका लागी दिइएको उमेद्वारीका सन्दर्भमा रहेको नेपाली पक्षको समर्थन दोह¥याउँदछ ।’ भनेर उल्लेख गरिएको छ । शाब्दिक अथ्र्याउँदा सबै भन्दा घतलाग्दो अनुवाद पंक्तिकारले यही भेट्यो । अंग्रेजीका राम्रा ज्ञाताहरुले पुछारमा रहेको संयुक्त प्रेस वक्तव्यमै गएर वास्तविक पंक्तिहरु पढ्न सक्नेछन् । त्यसो ग¥यो भने मेरा हल्लाहरुको जगमा अर्को हल्लाको घर खडा नहोलाकि भनेर पनि मैले विश्वास लिएको छु ।
यो हल्ला यति भएछ कि प्रधानमन्त्रीले विमानस्थलमा पत्रकार भेटघाटका क्रममा दिएको सफाइले नपुगेर परराष्ट्र मन्त्रालयले विज्ञप्ती सम्म निकाल्न भ्याएछ । यो विज्ञप्तीको हल्ला कति भयो थाहा भएन । सायद यस्ता हल्ला शान्त पार्ने विज्ञप्ती भन्दा हल्ला बढाउने विज्ञप्ती र अपरिपक्व कुराहरु हल्ला गर्न बढि आनन्द आउँदो हो । नभए यसका सम्बन्धमा पनि समाचारहरु आउनु पर्ने । जे होस् विज्ञप्तीमा उल्लेख छ, ‘बुँदा ११ मा उल्लेख भएझैँ साझा चासोका प्रमुख अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विषयहरुलाई सम्बोधन गर्नका लागी संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघ लगायत अन्य अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय संगठनहरुमा विभिन्न मुलुकहरुका बीच सहकार्य हुने विषय अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय संगठनहरुमा विभिन्न मुलुकहरुका बीच सहकार्य हुने विषय अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय रुपमै प्रचलित परम्परा हो । नेपालले पनि विकासोन्मुख राष्ट्रहरुलाई असर गर्ने तथा उनीहरुका साझा हितका विषयहरुमा छिमेकी मित्रराष्ट्रहरु भारत तथा चीन लगायत अन्य मुलुकहरुसँग विगत देखि नै आवश्यकता अनुसार यस प्रकारको सहकार्य र समन्वय गर्दै आएका छ । साथै संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघीय सुरक्षा परिषदमा स्थायी सदस्यताका लागि भारतको उमेदवारीलाई नेपालले समर्थन गर्ने भन्ने विषय यस अघि पनि नेपालका तर्फाबाट व्यक्त हुँदै आएको छ । नेपालका तत्कालिन परराष्ट्र मन्त्री श्री महेन्द्र बहादुर पाण्डे र भारतीय विदेश मन्त्री श्रीमती सुष्मा स्वराजका बीच २६ जुलाई २०१४ मा काठमाडौँमा सम्पन्न नेपाल भारत संयुक्त आयोगको तेश्रो बैठकका समयमा जारी संयुक्त प्रेस बक्तव्यको बुँदा नं. ६ मा समेत यी विषय उल्लेख भैसकेका छन् ।’
यति सम्म भनिसकेपछि त मलाई सोहि वक्तब्य समेत खोजी हेर्न मन लाग्यो । आँखिरमा प्रधानमन्त्री भन्ने शब्द मात्रै हेरफेर गरेर बाँकि हुबहु सारिएको रहेछ । इक्षाएकाहरुका लागी सो वक्तव्यको पूर्ण पाठ पनि तर संलग्न गरेको छु ।

‘हामी जतिसुकै माथि उठौं,
जतिसुकै यताउति दगुरौँ,
जतिसुकै ठूलो स्वरमा गर्जौं,
तर, हामी फगत् पानीको थापा हौं
पानीका निर्बलिया थोपा
जो सूर्यद्वारा माथि उचालिन्छौं
र बादल बन्छौं,
हावाका इशारामा यताउति दगुर्छौं 
र आफूलाई गतिशील भन्ठान्छौं’
लेखलाई भूपी शेरचन कै ‘हामी’ कविताबाट विट मार्न मन लाग्यो । कुन जमानामा लेखेका कुरा अहिले पनि कति सान्दर्भिक लाग्छन् । आँखिर कवि तथा साहित्यकारलाई युगद्रष्टा त्यत्तिकै कहाँ भनिँदो रहेछ र ! सबैको जय होस् ।

 

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Appendix: 

Joint Press Statement on the Visit of the Prime Minister to Nepal

August 04, 2014

1. The Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Nepal from August 3-4, 2014 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt. Hon'ble Mr. Sushil Koirala. The Prime Minister of India was accompanied by Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA), Ms. Sujatha Singh, Foreign Secretary and a delegation comprising senior officials of the Government of India and media. The Prime Minister of India was received at the airport by the Prime Minister of Nepal and was extended a ceremonial welcome.
2. The Prime Minister of India called on the Rt. Hon'ble President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. The Rt. Hon'ble President hosted a luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister of India.
3. The Prime Minister of India addressed the Constituent Assembly and Legislature Parliament of Nepal and prior to the address, had a meeting with the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Rt. Hon'ble Subhas Chandra Nembang.
4. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon’ble Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Leader of the Main Opposition Party in the Legislature Parliament, Hon'ble Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Hon'ble KP Sharma Oli, other political leaders including those from the Nepali Congress and Madheshi parties and leaders of the Nepalese business community called on the Prime Minister of India.
5. The Prime Minister of India had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Nepal followed by delegation level talks. These talks were held in an atmosphere of utmost warmth and cordiality and were marked by deep friendship and understanding which characterize the close relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister of Nepal hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of India.
6. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of Nepal-India relations that encompass a broad spectrum of political, economic, social and cultural ties that are deep-rooted at both government and peoples' levels. The two Prime Ministers also underlined the need to further explore ways to enhance sub-regional cooperation particularly in the areas of trade, transit, connectivity and hydropower. They underlined that the high level visits are vital for greater momentum to the close and cordial ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister of Nepal appreciated the enhanced focus and priority given by the new Government of India on relations with neighbouring countries, as manifested in, among others, the invitation to the SAARC leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Prime Minister on May 26. This provided a unique opportunity for meaningful dialogue at the political level as well as for advancing regional cooperation under the framework of SAARC.
7. The Prime Minister of Nepal stated that Nepal has focused its attention on drafting a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly, which will lead the country to greater stability and prosperity. He shared Nepal's vision of graduating from the status of least developed country by 2022. The Prime Minister of India conveyed best wishes of the Government and people of India to the Nepalese leadership and people for their resolve and commitment to promulgate the new constitution early next year.
8. Both Prime Ministers recalled with pleasure the democratic elections held in both countries in the past one year with record participation of people and expressed satisfaction over these successes that reflect people's trust in democratic values and practices. They underlined the indispensability of democratic institutions for peace, stability and development. They also underlined that the Governments on both sides command strong mandate of their respective peoples providing historic opportunities to advance bilateral relations to a new height in practical and pragmatic manner to generate tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries.
9. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the reactivation of Nepal India Joint Commission at the level of the Foreign Ministers and welcomed the outcomes of the third meeting held in Kathmandu from July 25-26, 2014.
10. The Prime Ministers directed that all bilateral institutional mechanisms be convened regularly and their decisions be implemented expeditiously.
11. The two Prime Ministers agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements. They welcomed the decision of the Joint Commission to direct the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries to meet and discuss specific proposal to revise the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950, which the Government of Nepal agreed to provide at the earliest. Both sides agreed that the revised Treaty should better reflect the current realities and aim to further consolidate and expand the multifaceted and deep rooted relationships in a forward looking manner.
12. The two Prime Ministers also underlined the need to resolve pending Nepal-India boundary issues once and for all. They welcomed the formation of the Boundary Working Group (BWG) to undertake the construction, restoration and repair of boundary pillars including clearance of 'Noman's land' and other technical tasks. They also welcomed the Joint Commission's decision to direct the Foreign Secretaries to work on the outstanding boundary issues, including Kalapani and Susta receiving required technical inputs from the BWG as necessary. The Indian side stressed on early signing of the agreed and initialed strip maps of about 98% of the boundary. The Nepalese side expressed its desire to resolve all outstanding boundary issues.
13. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the decision to establish an Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations (EPG-NIR) to look into the totality of Nepal-India relations from independent, non-governmental perspectives and suggest measures to further expand and consolidate the close and multifaceted relations between the two countries. They directed to expedite the formation of the EPG-NIR as per the agreed terms of reference.
14. Both Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the excellent cooperation on security related matters and directed the competent authorities on both sides to make sure that the open border, which has facilitated movements of people on both sides of the border and has been a unique feature of Nepal-India bilateral relations, is not misused by unscrupulous elements posing security threats to either side. It was assured that Nepal and India will not allow their territory to be used against each other. The two Prime Ministers directed the concerned officials to expedite the signing of MoU on Police Academy. Both sides agreed to finalize the texts of Extradition Treaty and MLAT at an early date.
15. The Government of India announced a soft credit line of US$ 1 billion for the execution of infrastructure development and energy projects as identified and prioritized by the Government of Nepal.
16. The Prime Minister of India also visited Pashupatinath Temple and gifted 2500 kgs. of sandalwood to the Pashupatinath Temple Authority. The Government of India also informed that the construction of Pashupatinath Temple Dharamshala will be commenced soon through GoI grant assistance. The Government of India offered to assist in the conservation and restoration of old monuments in the Pashupatinath Complex as well as in providing sanitation and hygiene facility in the Pashupatinath Complex.
17. The Government of India also offered assistance for development of Janakpur, Baraha Chhetra and Lumbini, including linking Lumbini with the Buddhist circuit of India, based on specific proposals from Government of Nepal.
18. The Government of India announced enhancement of ITEC and Colombo Plan slots from 180 to 250 for Nepalese students and experts to study in various Indian institutions. The Government of India also offered short courses cum exposure visits for the Nepalese undergraduate students in the leading universities of India namely Banaras, Kolkata and Delhi University under Nepal-Bharat Maitri Shiksha Karyakram.
19. The two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Exchange of Letters regarding Terms of Reference of the Pancheshwar Development Authority. They agreed that the two Governments would set up the Authority within 6 months and finalise the DPR of Pancheshwar Development Project and begin implementation of the Project within one year. The two sides also signed MoUs on Cooperation in the Goitre Control, and on Cooperation between Doordarshan and the Nepal Television.
20. The two Prime Ministers directed the concerned authorities to conclude negotiations within 45 days on the Project Development Agreement (PDA) between the Investment Board of Nepal and GMR Group of India for the development of Upper Karnali hydropower project. They also directed the concerned authorities to conclude negotiations on the agreement on trade in power sector within 45 days. They expressed desire for early conclusion of other three PDAs namely Arun III, Upper Marsyangdi and Tamakoshi III. They emphasized that development of projects of this size will be a major catalyst for the development of Nepal’s enormous hydropower potential.
21. At the request of the Nepalese side, the Indian side assured to assist the construction of a multilane motorable bridge over Mahakali River at Mahendranagar, which will allow traffic along the East West Highway to cross over the Mahakali River and establish a vital trade and transit linkage of far western region of Nepal with Indian cities of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand. The Indian side also conveyed to consider construction of motorable bridges at the border points at Jhulaghat and Darchula.
22. The Government of Nepal requested for assistance to complete the eastern sector of Mid Hill Highway, namely (Chiwabhanjyang-Ganeshchowk, 61 km, Jorsal-Tamor-Sankranti, 35 km, Sankranti-Myanglung, 68 km, Bhojpur-Diktel, 88 km, Haleshi-Hilepani 40 km, Ghurmi-Khurkot, 60 km). The Government of India agreed to consider the request positively.
23. The Two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the ongoing defense cooperation. In this context, the Nepalese side requested the Prime Minister of India for waiver of the dues outstanding as on date owned by the Government of Nepal to the Government of India on account of defense purchases.
24. The Prime Ministers expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of several projects under bilateral economic cooperation and directed competent officials to implement ongoing as well as the future projects expeditiously.
25. The Two Prime Ministers directed the competent authorities to expedite the construction of Postal roads and feeder roads (Terai roads) and complete the phase I expeditiously. They also directed to commence phase II within a year. The Indian side agreed to consider the Government of Nepal's request to implement the phase II projects by the Nepalese side with the Government of India's financial assistance.
26. The two Prime Ministers directed to work for the finalization and signing of the revised Rail Service Agreement, Motor Vehicle Agreement, Letter of Exchanges on Trade and Transit and ratification of BIPPA.
27. The two Prime Ministers also directed competent officials to expedite construction of cross border railway at all five agreed border points and the four Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) which will facilitate cross border trade and transit as well as Nepal's export to and import from third countries.
28. The Nepalese side requested and the Indian side agreed to take up the project for the construction of Raxaul-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline in the first phase and extend it to Kathmandu in the next phase to facilitate the transport of petroleum products.
29. The Nepalese side highlighted the trade deficit it is facing vis a vis its trade with India and suggested measures to address this deficit through increased Indian FDI, relaxation of non-tariff measures including SPS standards for agro products, support in product development, relaxation of Rules of Origin requirement for duty free access of Nepalese products, and mutual recognition of standards, conformity assessment and accreditation. The Nepalese side stressed that the countervailing duty (CVD) being levied by the Indian authorities on Nepalese exports including readymade garments, copper, brass utensils, Kattha and other products have had negative impacts on key Nepalese exports to India and requested the Indian side to remove it. The Nepalese side also requested to remove Quantitative Restrictions (QRs) on the four Nepalese export products namely Vegetable fats, copper products, Acrylic Yarn and Zinc Oxide. The Indian side assured to consider the requests by the Nepalese side. The Indian side also reiterated that problem of trade deficit could be best bridged by development of hydropower in Nepal and export of surplus power to India.
30. Recognizing the vital importance of transit rights of Nepal, the two Prime Ministers agreed to take further measures in the spirit of the Treaty of Transit, to simplify transit procedures and facilitate expeditious movement of traffic in transit. They directed to finalize and implement transshipment modalities at the earliest.
31. The Nepalese side requested India to allow three additional air entry points at Janakpur, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj, and cross border direct routes to facilitate direct flights between regional airports Pokhara-Bhirahawa-Lucknow as this would save time and cost for air travelers and also improve air connectivity between India and Nepal. The two Prime Ministers directed the concerned authorities to meet within 6 months and resolve this issue and similar issues pertaining to the Air Services Agreement.
32. The two Prime Ministers directed the competent authorities to expedite the works related to the development of cross border transmission lines as agreed in the Joint Commission.
33. At the request of the Nepalese side, the Government of India agreed to consider to undertake the rehabilitation of Koshi Pump Canal and Koshi Western Canal System and rehabilitation of West Gandak Canal System with a Lift System to irrigate additional Nepalese land. The Nepalese side will communicate the details of the projects.
34. The Prime Minister of India expressed condolences for the human suffering and loss of lives and properties caused by the massive landslide at Sindhupalchowk district in Nepal this week. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination and consultation to deal with the problem of floods and inundation.
35. The Prime Minister of India extended invitation to Prime Minister of Nepal to pay an official visit to India at an early mutually convenient date. The Prime Minister of Nepal accepted the invitation. The date will be finalized and communicated through diplomatic channel.

soruce: Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India

Joint Statement on the State visit of Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to India 

(15-18 September, 2016)

1. The Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Prime Minister of Nepal, and Ms. Sita Dahal are on a State visit to India from 15-18 September 2016 at the invitation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The delegation includes the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Mr. Ramesh Lekhak, members of the Legislature-Parliament, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal.

2. During the visit, Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal was accorded ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 16 September 2016. He paid courtesy call on the Hon’ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee, and held talks with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. Smt Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of Finance, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power (Independent Charge) called on the Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India hosted an official banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary and the accompanying delegation. Prime Minister Prachanda will be visiting Nathpa Jhakri hydro-electric power project in Himachal Pradesh and the Food and Herbal Park at the Patanjali Yogpeeth near Haridwar. An interaction with the Indian business community was jointly hosted by ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI in honour of the visiting dignitary.

3. Bilateral meetings were held in an atmosphere of utmost cordiality and warmth that have characterized the close and friendly relations between India and Nepal. The Prime Minister of India thanked the Prime Minister of Nepal for accepting his invitation, and warmly welcomed him in India on his first visit abroad since assuming office in August 2016. He stated that the visit would help further strengthen the age-old bonds of fraternal relations between the people of India and Nepal, and expand the multi-dimensional cooperation between the two countries. The two Prime Ministers agreed that the high-level exchanges are vital for maintaining the momentum towards further deepening of the close and cordial ties between the two countries.

4. The Prime Minister of Nepal thanked his Indian counterpart for the invitation and warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation since their arrival. He stated that his visit to India demonstrates the importance that the Government of Nepal attaches to good neighbourly relations with India. The two countries and their people share an ancient, deep-rooted and vibrant friendship based on a shared cultural and civilizational ethos. He expressed the willingness of the Government of Nepal to explore newer areas of mutual cooperation and partnerships and to take our age-old and unique ties to new heights, while reinvigorating the existing mechanisms for enhancing mutual benefit.

5. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and underlined the need to further deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in all areas for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. They directed that all bilateral institutional mechanisms be convened regularly and their decisions be implemented expeditiously. Both sides agreed to hold the next session of the India-Nepal Joint Commission in 2016.

6. The two Prime Ministers noted the progress in promoting sub-regional cooperation, and agreed that the two governments should explore ways to further enhance it, particularly in the areas of trade, transit, connectivity and power. They also stressed the importance of enhancing regional cooperation within the framework of the SAARC and the BIMSTEC.

7. The two Prime Ministers noted that the first meeting of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations was held in Kathmandu in July 2016, and hoped that the Group would work intensively and look into the totality of India-Nepal relations from independent perspective and suggest measures to consolidate and further expand the close and multi-faceted ties between the two countries.

8. The Prime Minister of Nepal thanked for the prompt and extensive assistance provided by the Government and people of India in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes of 25 April and 12 May 2015. He conveyed his gratitude to the Government of India for the latter’s special assistance package of US$ 1 billion for Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction.

9. The Prime Minister of India welcomed the setting up of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) in Nepal, which will coordinate post-earthquake reconstruction projects. The two Prime Ministers agreed that expeditious action should be taken to implement mutually agreed projects in the identified sectors for post-earthquake reconstruction in accordance with the bilateral MOU signed in February 2016. At the request of the Nepali side, the Indian side agreed to extend assistance to the NRA, including through sharing of experience and capacity building by the National Disaster Management Authority of India. In response to the declared policy of the Government of Nepal to grant NRs 3 lakh to each beneficiary for reconstruction of houses, Government of India conveyed that it would increase its contribution for 50,000 households from NRs 2 lakh to NRs 3 lakh. For this purpose, US $ 50 million will be drawn by the Government of Nepal from the LOC of US $ 750 million for post-earthquake reconstruction.

10. The Prime Minister of Nepal shared with the Prime Minister of India developments in Nepal. He conveyed that the promulgation of the Constitution last year is a historic event in institutionalizing federal democratic republic. He also shared the efforts made by the present Government to take all sections of Nepali society on board for the effective implementation of the constitution. While appreciating the importance of the constitutional consolidation of democracy in Nepal, Prime Minister of India welcomed the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nepal to take all sections of the society on board for effective implementation of the Constitution. Prime Minister of India wished the Prime Minister of Nepal every success in this endeavour. The Prime Minister of Nepal thanked the Government and people of India for their goodwill, support and solidarity in Nepal’s peace process.

11. The two Prime Ministers believe that both countries hold similar views on major international issues, including the comprehensive reforms of the UN and other international organizations, affecting the developing countries and work in close coordination with each other in the United Nations and other international fora. The Nepali side reiterated its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

12. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the ongoing defense and security cooperation, and the recently concluded Home Secretary level talks and the meeting of the bilateral consultative group on security matters. They stressed the need to ensure that the open border, which has facilitated economic interaction and movement of people and goods on both sides of the border and has been a unique feature of India-Nepal bilateral ties, is not allowed to be misused by unscrupulous elements posing security threats to either side. The two sides committed that they will not allow their territory to be used against each other.

13. The Prime Minister of India expressed India’s commitment to continue the close partnership between India and Nepal for socio-economic, scientific and technological development. The two Prime Ministers directed the officials to closely monitor progress of the ongoing projects under bilateral economic and development cooperation, address any bottlenecks, and to complete them expeditiously in a time bound manner. In this regard, both sides agreed to set up an oversight mechanism comprising senior officials from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the Government of Nepal, which will review progress together with respective project implementing agencies/developers of ongoing economic and development projects on a regular basis, and take necessary steps to expedite their implementation.

14. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the steady growth of bilateral trade. Prime Minister of Nepal expressed concern over Nepal’s growing trade deficit with India and underlined the need for taking measures to enhance Nepal’s exports to India. The two Prime Ministers noted the successful conclusion of the meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit and Control of Unauthorized Trade, at the Secretary-level in June 2016, and agreed that the IGC will continue to discuss trade infrastructure and trade facilitation related measures to boost bilateral trade. They agreed that the Trade Treaty between India and Nepal would be renewed in October 2016 in terms of provisions of the Treaty, with the aim of enhancing the bilateral trade. Both sides agreed to hold civil aviation talks to discuss air services matters, including request for additional air routes.

15. The two Prime Ministers noted the successful completion of two roads totalling about 71 kilometers under Phase I of Terai road project. The two Prime Ministers directed the officials to expedite the construction of postal roads and feeder roads (Terai roads) and complete them expeditiously, in accordance with the modalities for implementation agreed by both sides in February 2016.

16. The two Prime Ministers stressed the need for early development of infrastructure at integrated check posts (ICPs) to facilitate smooth and faster movement of people and goods. They noted with satisfaction the progress in construction of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at Raxaul and Jogbani, and agreed that work on the Raxaul-Birgunj ICP project will be expedited with the objective of completing it by December 2016. It was decided to immediately commence construction of the ICP at Biratnagar, and to expedite the Detailed Engineering Reports in respect of ICPs at Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa.

17. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the two ongoing India-Nepal cross border rail-link projects – (a) Jayanagar-Bijalpur-Bardibas and (b) Jogbani-Biratnagar, and agreed that both sides will take further measures necessary for expeditious completion of both the projects. Both sides agreed that steps will be initiated to facilitate development of three other agreed cross-border rail-link projects (Nepalgunj-Nepalgunj road; Kakarbitta-New Jalpaiguri; Bhairawaha – Nautanwa) so that the land acquisition can commence on the Nepali side.

18. The two Prime Ministers directed the officials to expedite the construction of sub-station at Dhalkebar so that the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar transmission line can be operated at its full capacity as planned. It was decided that the construction of transmission lines (i) from Kataiya to Kusaha, and (ii) from Raxaul to Parwanipur will be completed by December 2016 to augment grid connectivity and power supply between the two countries. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction that both countries are engaged in preparation of a Master Plan for the cross-border interconnection for the period until 2035 and Action Plan on power trade until 2025.

19. The two Prime Ministers reviewed progress of other major hydro-power projects, Pancheshwar, Upper Karnali and Arun-III, and noted that various issues be addressed expeditiously with a view to implementing the projects in a time-bound manner so that their benefits start accruing to the people at the earliest. It was decided to expedite finalization of the Detailed Project Report of the Pancheshwar multi-purpose project. It was agreed that both sides will continue to take measures to operationalize the Power Trade Agreement signed in 2014. Both sides agreed to discuss all water resources cooperation related matters such as inundation and flood management, irrigation matters and other major projects, at the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Water Resources at the Secretary level, to be convened at an early date.

20. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the MOU for the construction of Raxaul-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline in August 2015 and directed that construction work be undertaken expeditiously.

21. Both the Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the utilisation of the two Lines of Credit of US$ 100 million and US$ 250 million for development of roads and power infrastructure in Nepal. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the allocation of US$ 200 million for irrigation projects, and US$ 330 million for development of roads and Mahakali bridge from the LoC of US$ 550 million. Both sides expressed their commitment to early implementation of these projects. At the request of Nepal, India conveyed its willingness to extend an additional line of credit to take up projects namely, Hulaki Rajmarg (Phase-II); cross-border transmission line connecting Butwal, 400 KV sub-stations at Dhalkebar and Hetauda, and a polytechnic in Kaski District.

22. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the performance of the Indian Joint Ventures in Nepal and emphasized the need for channelizing more Indian investments into Nepal according to its development priorities. They underlined the need for a secured environment for the investors to project Nepal as an attractive destination for foreign investment.

23. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the commencement of work for construction of a Dharmashala at the Pashupatinath Area. The MOU between the Pashupati Area Development Trust and the Archeological Survey of India for reconstruction and renovation of the monuments at the Pashupatinath Area will be finalized expeditiously.

24. The two Prime Ministers stressed the need for taking forward the cooperation in the fields of tourism and ayurvedic system of health care. In this regard, both sides will take steps to fully implement the MOUs on cooperation in Traditional Medicine and on Tourism Cooperation, including development of tourism in the form of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrim circuits.

25. The Prime Minister of Nepal extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of India to pay an official visit to Nepal. The Prime Minister of India accepted the invitation. The date will be finalized through diplomatic channels.

—-

New Delhi

16 September, 2016

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

पुरानाे वक्तब्यमा भएकाे हालकाे बाँझिएकाे बुँदा

6. Both foreign ministers shared that both countries hold similar views on major international issues affecting the developing countries and work in close coordination with each other in the United Nations and other international fora. The Nepalese side reiterated its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. 

Source: Joint Press Statement on the official visit to Nepal by Sushma Swaraj,Minister of External Affairs, of India